With regret, we are today reporting that FlightSimExpo 2020 has officially been cancelled. Following an extensive review of the situation, input from the community and the considerations of the health and safety of the flight simulation community, FlightSimExpo will not go ahead this coming June. Originally scheduled to take place June 12-14 2020 at Las Vegas’ Tropicana, the event was expecting to see over 2,000 attendees and over 50 exhibitors.
Confirmed just moments ago in the live stream (which is still ongoing at the time of writing), Evan Reiter, co-founder of FlightSimExpo said that “in making this announcement, we share the disappointment of the simulation community.” In a press release, he continued, “for the past several weeks, it has become increasingly evident that delivering the event the community expects is not possible. During this time, we have tried to be transparent with our partners and attendees while preserving the future sustainability of the conference. Although we’ll miss everyone this year, we look forward to using the additional planning time to make 2021 bigger and better than ever.”
As with other key decisions, the community’s input was hugely valued. In a survey issued late March, 46% of respondents indicated their preference was to cancel the 2020 event and focus on 2021. By comparison, 31% favored waiting until closer to the event to decide, while 23% would have been interested in seeing the event run later in the year. While community engagement was taking place, organizers also focused their efforts on negotiating with vendors and suppliers to ensure the show could go on in the future.
“We have always felt the importance of being community-driven in our decision-making,” said event co-founder Phil Coyle. “We are proud to have taken the time to make and announce a decision that is aligned with feedback from our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors, and that supports the event in the future. The show will go on…in 2021.”
Registered attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors should check their email for information regarding refunds or credits on registration fees. Attendees are also able to cancel their hotel rooms with Tropicana Las Vegas at no charge, up to 48 hours prior to check-in.
“Fortunately, simulation is something we’re able to do in earnest from the safety of our homes,” said Evan. “Wherever you find yourself on June 12-14 this year, I hope you’ll take an hour (or more) to fire up your simulator and fly. Whether you’re joining others online or flying solo, you’re never really alone.”
FlightSimExpo organizers wish the community the best of safety and health and look forward to planning the 2021 event.
For more information on FlightSimExpo, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.flightsimexpo.com. To receive updates on the event’s plans for this year, and for the next in-person event, subscribe to the FlightSimExpo mailing list.
